Horror Game Comes to Life: Until Dawn’s Wild, Convoluted, and Surprisingly Fun Adaptation

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Summary

  • Until Dawn blends video game mechanics with horror storytelling, resulting in fresh, scary moments.
  • Sandberg’s masterful directing showcases memorable deaths and a mix of horror genres.
  • The adaptation may not be perfect, but its fast pace and influences make it a must-watch for horror fans.

Currently, there’s an upsurge in video game adaptations, which makes one wonder why more horror games haven’t been translated onto the big screen. The horror game Until Dawn follows the trend of titles like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, although the latter morphed into action-packed films. Nevertheless, Until Dawn distinguishes itself as a strong horror film with its own identity, despite having some complex plot twists.

Directed by David F. Sandberg, who was previously responsible for the “Shazam!” films, and written by Gary Dauberman and Blair Butler, “Until Dawn” offers an innovative twist in its cinematic adaptation of a game. Instead of following the narrative from console to screen exactly, it concentrates on the game’s mechanics, particularly decision-making and its outcomes. Characters may perish, yet much like reloading a saved game, they continue to meet their demise repeatedly. This unique approach sometimes leads to uneven storytelling, but it certainly provides plenty of thrilling, terrifying scenes.

The story of Until Dawn commences with a group of companions setting off on a journey. Their objective is to locate Clover’s (Ella Rubin) missing sibling. Upon meeting an enigmatic gas station attendant portrayed by Peter Stormare, who incidentally is the sole cast member appearing in both the game and the movie, they eventually discover a secluded house deep within the woods. The atmosphere is already unsettling due to the persistent rainwater that miraculously fails to wet the property, but inside, they encounter a wall adorned with ‘missing’ posters and an hourglass affixed to the wall. As nightfall approaches, the hourglass starts ticking down, signaling the onset of terrifying events.

In the initial phases of the game ‘Until Dawn’, the narrative progresses smoothly, ensuring that every character within the group is well-rounded; for instance, Max has a past with Clover and harbors feelings for her, Nina is a frequent dater, Megan is spiritually inclined, while Abe studies psychology. Initially, it appears that these characters conform to typical horror movie tropes, with Clover seemingly destined to be the sole survivor. However, ‘Until Dawn’ cleverly employs its central time-loop mechanism, enabling each character to meet untimely deaths multiple times and transform in the aftermath of each reset. Later in the story, Stormare delivers a captivating performance in his recurring role, once again excelling as an ominous antagonist.

In essence, “Until Dawn” is largely inspired by the game’s narrative, retaining key elements such as a mine accident, wendigos, and a puzzling doctor. However, the film also introduces additional plot twists, which can make the storyline somewhat complex. While it’s not difficult to follow along, there are moments when it seems like multiple events are unfolding simultaneously. Yet, this intricate web of events provides ample opportunities for captivating scenes, many of which are beautifully executed using traditional practical effects.

In the gripping horror of “Until Dawn,” director Sandberg demonstrates his exceptional skill, proving that his talent extends beyond the superhero realm (as seen in the first “Shazam!” film, where some truly terrifying creatures were present). The enchantment he wove in his initial “Lights Out” short and later in “Annabelle: Creation” is vividly showcased here. On his ponsmasher YouTube channel, Sandberg consistently reveals himself as a director who carefully orchestrates each shot with precise detail. He has a clear vision of what he aims to accomplish, and for the most part, successfully executes it. This film features several unforgettable character deaths, and Sandberg appears to delight in tearing apart these characters whenever possible.

In the film Until Dawn, a unique mix of various horror influences really shines. Scenes mimicking classic slasher flicks, eerie elements similar to Evil Dead, and a touch of traditional body horror are all skillfully incorporated. However, the fusion of horror genres doesn’t persist for long as the movie predominantly delves into its own underground horrors (which, according to Dauberman, were inspired by The Descent). Nevertheless, this blend offers a breath of fresh air in the realm of horror storytelling, an area that has been lacking innovation in mainstream productions (take Blumhouse’s Night Swim as an example of how much the genre needs reinvention). A chilling sequence towards the end, inspired by found footage horror, stands out as exceptionally effective.

Ultimately, the film reaches a conclusion that might leave some viewers scratching their heads, but it delivers a rewarding outcome nonetheless. It’s undeniably paying tribute to the game, though this tribute could be lost on casual viewers. Despite a somewhat slow and puzzling ending, the third act is filled with suspense, excitement, and tension that more than compensates for this.

Until Dawn” isn’t the most flawless horror movie or the top video game adaptation of the year (as of now, The Last of Us season 2 surpasses it, but a direct comparison may not be entirely fair). Still, it excels beyond what many viewers might anticipate, making it a recommended watch for horror enthusiasts. The film manages to keep up a swift tempo that significantly enhances its appeal as a worthwhile viewing experience.

Until Dawn opens in theaters on April 25th.

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2025-04-24 17:29